Legalising Euthanasia

Over 70% of the Australian public support euthanasia, yet there is hesitation to make it legal. Although euthanasia is illegal, prosecutions are rarely made. This fact alone shows that we think of it as a compassionate act, one undeserving of punishment.

Some believe pressure or guilt could lead a patient to requesting euthanasia, but there is inconclusive evidence of this in other jurisdictions and there are ways around it, such as regulations and assessment of the patient.

A patient can already refuse treatment for terminal illnesses and turn off life support, is having a right to die truly so different?